FG approves four airlines for 2025 Hajj operations
…as NAHCON signs MoU in Saudi Arabia
By Kunle Sanni
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced the selection of four airlines to airlift Nigerian Muslim pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj.
According to a statement from the Presidential Villa, the Presidency approved the carriers following a rigorous screening process involving 11 applicants.
The approved airlines are Air Peace Limited, Fly-Nas, Max Air, and UMZA Aviation Services Limited. NAHCON Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, made the announcement, congratulating the selected airlines and urging them to uphold their commitments.
The selection process was conducted by a 32-member Aviation Screening Committee, inaugurated by Prof. Usman on November 26, 2024. The committee comprised representatives from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).
Other members were drawn from the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, and NAHCON officials representing various geopolitical zones and departments.
In addition, three companies were approved to handle excess cargo services. These are Aglow Aviation Support Services Limited, Cargozeal Technology Limited, and Qualla Investment Limited.
In a related development, Prof. Usman signed the 2025 Hajj Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. The signing ceremony, held on January 12, 2025, in Jeddah, formalized Nigeria’s participation in this year’s Hajj operations.
Nigeria’s delegation to the event included Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs; Hon. Jafaru Muhammed Ali, Chairman of the House Committee on Muslim Pilgrimage; Dr. Ibrahim Modibbo, Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires in Riyadh; and other officials. Saudi Arabia was represented by Dr. Abdulfatah Masahat, Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah.
Prof. Usman expressed confidence in the selected carriers and thanked the Saudi government for its ongoing cooperation in ensuring a seamless Hajj experience for Nigerian pilgrims.
